Acknowledging the Indigenous Peoples of Los Angeles County: A Step Towards Reconciliation
SITESFEATURED
On November 1, 2022, in a profound declaration of recognition and reconciliation, the County of Los Angeles has taken a significant step towards honoring the Indigenous peoples who have stewarded the land for millennia. This acknowledgment, steeped in humility and responsibility, underscores the County's commitment to truth, healing, and reconciliation
Acknowledging the Indigenous Peoples of Los Angeles County: A Step Towards Reconciliation
In a profound declaration of recognition and reconciliation, the County of Los Angeles has taken a significant step towards honoring the Indigenous peoples who have stewarded the land for millennia. This acknowledgment, steeped in humility and responsibility, underscores the County's commitment to truth, healing, and reconciliation.
The Land Acknowledgment
The County of Los Angeles acknowledges the ancestral and ongoing presence of the Tongva, Tataviam, Serrano, Kizh, and Chumash peoples on the land we now call home. By paying respect to their elders and descendants, past, present, and emerging, the County honors the rich cultural heritage and enduring legacy of these Indigenous communities.
Confronting Settler Colonization
This acknowledgment confronts the painful legacy of settler colonization, which has inflicted land seizure, disease, subjugation, slavery, relocation, broken promises, and genocide upon Indigenous peoples. The acknowledgment of this history is a crucial step towards understanding and addressing the multi-generational trauma inflicted upon Native communities.
Commitment to Truth and Healing
By publicly acknowledging these historical injustices, the County of Los Angeles demonstrates its commitment to truth and healing. This acknowledgment serves as a foundation for fostering dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
Elevating Indigenous Stories and Culture
The County's acknowledgment reaffirms its dedication to elevating the stories, culture, and community of the original inhabitants of Los Angeles County. By amplifying Indigenous voices and perspectives, the County aims to celebrate and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Building Relationships with Native Peoples
Crucially, the County commits to growing and sustaining relationships with Native peoples and local tribal governments. By prioritizing collaboration and engagement with Indigenous communities, the County seeks to honor treaty rights, promote cultural preservation, and support tribal sovereignty.
Gratitude and Dedication
In expressing gratitude for the opportunity to live and work on these ancestral lands, the County acknowledges its responsibility to act as stewards of the environment and allies to Indigenous communities. Through ongoing dedication and action, the County strives to uphold the principles of justice, equity, and respect for all.
Conclusion
The County of Los Angeles' land acknowledgment marks a significant milestone in the journey towards reconciliation and justice. By recognizing the historical and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples, the County lays the groundwork for building more inclusive, equitable, and harmonious communities. This acknowledgment serves as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to honor the past, embrace the present, and forge a better future together.
Citation:
“LA County Land Acknowledgement.” YouTube, Los Angeles County - Board of Supervisors, 24 Oct. 2023, www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXt3CIbTFtU